Bombora
(bämˈbôrə)
Surf Forecasting
Overview
The Purpose
The design and development for the Bombora surf forecasting application sought to address a unique need among a tight-knit, surf community requiring a new type of mobile weather forecasting application that was more than “just another weather app”, but a reliable tool that focused on individual surf styles, skill levels, and personal preferences.
The Goal
The goal was to design a simplified application focusing only on the information necessary to help surfers better understand how closely their individual style, personal preferences, and skill level compared to the weather conditions in ocean environments so they can make more informed decisions to better utilize their time on the ocean and achieve their athletic goals.
The Project
As part of my curriculum studies, and filling multiple roles along the UX spectrum, I utilized a range of industry tools and core skills, to conduct research, synthesize ideas, conceptualize, and refine designs to produce a complete, working prototype for Bombora in a 6-month time frame.
Scope
Mobile-first design + web-app interface
Role
Full-spectrum approach - UX research, ideation, prototyping, and design
Timeframe
6-Month span from inititation
Tools
Figma, Sketch Balsamiq, and Draw IO, InVision, Craft Manager, and Marvel App
Discovery
The Challenge
To better understand the challenge, thoroughly defining the problem was essential. By focusing on these contributing factors and explaining them in the form of a concise problem statement, I was able to gain initial insights into what the needs and goals of my users might be, the origin of these needs, and how I may approach potential solutions and by what criteria I am able to measure their success.
Defined Problem Statement
"Surfers need a way to quickly and accurately forecast weather conditions to determine whether an ocean environment is suitable to their current skill level and is safe to engage in water activities."
Potential Problems
As a starting point to guide the future design, several presumptions were made to identify any potential underlying problems users may experience when attempting to carry out any of the tasks established in the overarching problem statement as well as any possible solutions which could be investigated further to solve these problems. The following context was established:
Inaccurate
Inaccurate, outdated, or unreliable weather and oceanic data
Limited Functionality
Limited functionality in remote costal areas with little to no wi-fi signal
Complicated
Complicated, confusing and/or unintuitive user interface
Potential Solution
Design an app that provides to-the-minute weather forecasting, oceanic, and synoptic data accessible with or without a wifi signal. Design an interface that is easy to use, interpret and understand including an in-depth explanation of all features and functions.
Competitor Analysis
When considering how Bombora may fair among existing applications already established in today’s market, various social media platforms, discussion forums, and community websites centered around surfing were explored to assist in identifying two of the leading surf forecasting applications claiming to serve a similar purpose to that of the problems I was looking to solve being Magicseaweed and Surfline.To fully vet the two products, a competitor profile was created for each application highlighting numerous app strengths and weaknesses, potential threats, and a variety of competitive advantages (opportunities).
Competitor Profiles
Strengths
- The app is well known being the first of its kind
- Is popular and has a large following
- Its data is used at popular surf events
- Provides coverage for 3,000 beaches in 180 countries
Weaknesses
- Forecasting radius is general to an area
- Nearby spots are general predefined forecasts
- Local/personalized conditions are largely ignored
- No real instructional content to "become a better forecaster" as claimed
Opportunities
- Understanding data is a personal expectation and needs managing
- Provide instruction on reading synoptic charts
- Upgrade the help section, define terminology and explain features
- More accurately display wave height ranges (Refer to the Bureau of Meteorology marine forecasting)
Threats
- Online reviews claim wave data is too general and other apps’ height estimations are more accurate
- Reviews state other forecasting apps allow personalized filtering of preferred conditions/li>
- Live cams on other apps work much better
- The Spot Advisor app has done away with media content by focusing more on connecting users with each other to report and confirm forecasts
Strengths
- Has a loyal following and an extensive history in forecasting
- Impressive UI and intuitive layout
- Values its user's end experience
- Largest selection of live surf cams on the market
- Written reports by forecasters are a plus
Weaknesses
- App relies heavily on the live cam experience (Subscription for HD cams)
- Too many ads on the free version
- Same information as other apps, just presented in a fancier way
- Some controversy exists around Surfline promoting product features with the sole purpose of drawing customers
Opportunities
- Include instructions on how to read the animated wind charts
- Balance between future prediction and real time live cam
- UI is quite intuitive, could use as a design inspiration for Bombora app
Threats
- Reports suggest Surfline’s cams have contributed to increased pollution by drawing large crowds to once pristine beaches and locals have been known to destroy Surfline’s cams to protect them
- Several user reviews suggest using Surfline’s cams in conjunction with other apps for better forecasting accuracy.
- The Lazy Surfer app is making a splash in the market by personalizing the experience with features tailored toward individual condition reports